I saw that I was hitting the low mark on the power steering so I added some synthetic mobil 1 atf in it. I don't know what was in it before is it still ok ?

 

It should be eventualy replaced as the trans fluid and coolant or better yet every two years. If you want to do it the easy, messy way then just put the oil pan under it then disconnect the bottom hose and let it drain. It will me a bit messy since it's not a strait shot to the pan but most of it will drip to it. Reconnect the hose and refill the resovoir. I only used about a 1/2 bottle of synthetic, so you should have plenty left.

ATF? ...do you have an auto (Mine is manual)?

 

Yea, I have a auto. I know it should be replaced but is it ok for the synthetic to be mixed with whatever is in there I assume regular ps steering wheel fluid.

 

yes... thats EXACTLY what you should be doing. Putting different fluids in something that requires a certain type lessons the efficiency and it just stays in the back of your head... "i have ___ fluid instead of power steering fluid in my power steering pump." Would you put power steering fluid in your automatic tranny? Drain the pump and crank the motor but DO NOT start just to pump out the excess fluid in the fins of the pump. Then fill it to the top with power steering fluid from your local auto parts store and fill it to the top... Then continously turn the well left and right with the car running. Make sure you turn the wheel all the way and hold it at each turn... your fluid level with go down and then you can add whatever you need to. You'll be fine after that. See now you can go on in life knowing you have power steering fluid... in your power steering.

Jeremy

 

hahah yes thank you for the life lesson of power steering fluid in the rx7. I can now go on and accomplish great things now. You do know that atf works for the ps ? I am just asking whether it can be mixed.

 

According to AAA's website (Click here for website):

HOW TO CHOOSE POWER STEERING FLUID
Most carmakers recommend specific power steering fluids for their vehicles. Some, however, call for ATF to be used in the power steering system. Fortunately, there are far fewer kinds of power steering to choose from than there are various ATF formulations. Always use the type of fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and do not mix different kinds of fluid. Use of the wrong fluid MAY damage system hoses and rubber seals in the power steering pump and valves.

Personally, I wouldnt be scared and beat myself up for ruining my PS system. This damage probably occurs in the long run. I would change the fluid so it contains just one type that way I can sleep at night and not have to worry about one more thing breaking down. If the pump or the rack gets messed up, you shouldnt have a hard time finding replacements since theres alot of boy racers that ditch it for a manual steering system.

 

That's what i meant. And if you like working on cars... it will help you do great things in life.